Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Henry Higgins and Mrs. Higgins.

OK, so you might think, of course Higgins is a mentor: he's the one doing all the teaching. That's true, but, well, Higgins is as much a protagonist as he is a guide. We here at Shmoop want to put the spotlight on another, less appreciated Higgins: that's right, Henry's dear old mother. Shaw lets us know that she was something of a rebel back in the day, and she certainly understands what might be called the "woman question" better than Higgins. It's no coincidence that Eliza goes to her in her time of need, or that she emerges from Mrs. Higgins's apartment looking calm and collected. She's the real deal, a bona fide independent woman.